Parts of the Battery

and
their Meaning

Submitted by:
Dhenmer D. Canete
Automotive Technology
12 - C

Submitted to:

Mr. Jimson Cabalbag

Instructor
 An  automotive battery Is a rechargeable battery that is used to start a motor
vehicle.
 Its main purpose is to provide electric current to the electricity-powered starting
motor, which in turn starts the chemically-powered internal combustion engine
that actually propels the vehicle.
 Once the engine is running, power for the car's electrical systems is still
supplied by the battery, with the alternator charging the battery as demands
increase or decrease.

An automobile battery is an example of a wet cell battery, with six cells.

 Each cell of a lead storage battery consists of alternate plates made of a lead
alloy grid filled with sponge lead (cathode plates) or coated with lead dioxide
(anode).
 Each cell is filled with a sulfuric acid solution, which is the electrolyte.

The automotive battery, also known as a lead-acid storage battery, is an

electrochemical device that produces voltage and delivers current.
 In an automotive battery we can reverse the electrochemical action, thereby
recharging the battery, which will then give us many years of service.
 The purpose of the battery is to supply current to the starter motor, provide
current to the ignition system while cranking, to supply additional current when
the demand is higher than the alternator can supply and to act as an electrical
reservoir.

Automotive Battery requires special handling.

 The electrolyte (water) inside the battery is a mixture of sulfuric acid and water.
 Sulfuric acid is very corrosive; if it gets on your skin it should be flushed with
water immediately; if it gets in your eyes, you should immediately flush them
thoroughly with water and see a doctor right away.
 In this situation, time is critical. If you work with batteries often, you should have
a mild solution of baking soda and water on hand and flush with that.
 The baking soda will neutralize the acid and minimize the damage.
 Remember: it is more important to flush immediately.
 Do not take the time to make up a solution first.

Knowledge is power when it comes to your car’s battery and electrical system. In fact,
it’s your ride’s heart and soul. The last thing you want is to be left stranded with a dead
battery. The more you know about your battery and electrical system, the less likely you’ll get
stuck.

On average, a battery will last 3 to 5 years, but driving habits and exposure to extreme
elements can shorten the life of your car battery.
 Parts of a Car Battery:
1. Battery Terminal/Bushing: The terminals are connected to the positive strap and the
negative strap of the end cells, and are the interfacing point between the battery and
the vehicle's electrical system.

2. Battery Acid: The acid is a high-purity solution of sulfuric acid and water.

3. Cast-on Strap for Batteries: The cast-on straps are welded to the top of each
element to provide an electrical connection to the terminals.

4. Battery Negative Plate: The negative plate contains a metal grid with spongy lead
active material.

5. Battery Separator: The separator is a polyethylene material that separates the

positive plates from the negative plates to provide an efficient flow of electrical current.
6. Positive Battery Plate: The positive plate contains a metal grid with lead dioxide
active material.

7. Lid on Battery: The lid is made of polypropylene resin and sealed to the battery case.

8. Battery Case: The case is polypropylene resin, which holds the battery plates, cast-on
straps and electrolyte. It's designed to minimize vibration impact and extend battery
life.

9. Battery Plates: The element consists of stacked alternating positive and negative
plates. The plates are connected at the top by a cast-on strap that is welded to the
plates. The elements fit into the individual cells of each battery.

10. Battery Paste: The paste is a lead oxide mixture that creates both lead dioxide and
sponge lead. It adheres to the positive and negative battery grids.